this is an exceptional and unique solution based on a systematic approach. The jury spoke of the frequent wildfires. It said that climate change and forest fires support one another, and wildfires are becoming larger, more severe, and longer lasting in many areas.
The jury lauded Reshma’s forest fire project. It said, “Forest fires have increasingly become a global and topical issue. Reshma represents the best of youth entrepreneurship: brave, innovative and solution-oriented. Her model uses AI and technology in an innovative and savvy way in order to accurately predict the risk of forest fires while also accounting for the independent variables of climate, weather and human behavior. A clear and scalable business concept, with a global approach to accessibility”.
Narayan’s project was, “DeepWaste – Technology for better and more precise waste classification”. The jury emphasized the point that each year, a large amount of unsorted waste is deposited or burned, contributing to unwanted emissions. The jury described it as a massive problem that remains a challenge for our societies in order to achieve effective waste management. The judges praised Narayan’s amazing idea, describing it as self-teaching, accessible, and scalable, with massive development potential. They said, “Yash and DeepWaste are right on time and contribute to increased awareness and knowledge”.
The jury spoke about waste management and recycling. It said, “Correctly sorted waste becomes a resource and forms the basis for the circular flow of resources. This is a measure that is absolutely necessary in order to achieve more sustainable consumption and is an example of something that we can all contribute to”. It added, “A resource-efficient circular economy can be perceived as complex and difficult, but here Yash has found a good and interesting solution with great innovation.”
Sharma’s project was, “Class-Action Environment Minister – Tackling climate change in the courtroom.” According to the jury, “Too often, policymakers and leaders make decisions based on short-term financial considerations, even if that can have major negative impacts over a longer period of time. The result may mean that future generations will have to bear the costs. Anjali is a colorful example of the power that more and more young people are flexing to achieve change,”. It added, “And it also shows how young people can challenge entire industries and sectors by using the law. Anjali’s ability to mobilize is impressive and representative of a growing phenomenon in the world.”
According to the jury, it requires guts to confront the current power and established systems and succeed in obtaining a duty of care in a fossil-fuel-dependent society like Australia. It noted that Sharma is a significant pioneer whose legal struggle is historic in Australia. The jury said, “She is an inspiration for how young people can press for tangible changes and is therefore a role model for others”.
The winner will be revealed on November 8 and will be awarded a diploma certificate, a medal, and SEK 100,000 in fund prize. The prize will be given by the Children’s Climate Foundation, a project of Telge Energei, a Swedish renewable energy firm. Aishwarya Sridhar, a 24-year-old Indian wildlife photographer who served on the panel this year, expressed pride over the projects of the finalists. She said, “I was totally blown over by the ingenuity and practical application of each of the finalist’s projects. Each of them through their projects have addressed real problems which are plaguing our world and they are working to create impactful solutions.”
